Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are a class of human-made chemical compounds that contain only fluorine, carbon and hydrogen. They are commonly used as replacements for ozone-depleting substances (ODS), such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and halons in various applications, including refrigeration, air conditioning and foam blowing, and to a lesser extent, aerosol propellants, fire-extinguishing, solvents and semi-conductor manufacturing. While HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer, they are powerful greenhouse gases and therefore pose a threat to the climate.

Recognizing this threat, Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer adopted an amendment in 2016 to phase down HFCs. The Kigali Amendment sets out obligations and timelines to phase down the consumption and production of HFCs. As a Party to the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment, Canada must phase out its consumption and production of HFCs by 85% between 2019 and 2036.

In Canada, HFCs are subject to the Ozone Depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations, which control the production, import and export of these substances.

There is more than one CAS number that applies to this group of substances.

Risk Assessment

• CEPA 1999 Schedule 1 - List of Toxic Substances - This substance has been added to the List of Toxic Substances.
• Full life cycle management of the substance (Track 2) under the Toxic Substances Management Policy

Risk Management Tool(s)

Tool(s) developed to manage risks associated with the substance:

• Federal Halocarbon Regulations, 2022
• Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations
• Notice Requiring the Preparation and Implementation of Pollution Prevention Plans in Respect of Halocarbons Used as a Refrigerant

International engagement

• Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

Other Information

• Canada’s official greenhouse gas inventory
• Authorizations for ozone-depleting substances and hydrofluorocarbons
• Environmental Code of Practice for Elimination of Fluorocarbon Emissions from Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems

Contact

Ozone Protection Programs
Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 Saint-Joseph Boulevard
Gatineau QC  K1A 0H3
Telephone: 819-938-4228
Email: halocarbures-halocarbons@ec.gc.ca